Living in Central PA means dealing with Hurricane Season every year. It starts on June 1 and ends November 30. One notable characteristic of last year’s North Atlantic hurricane season was its record-breaking activity. There are four different storm categories according to the National Hurricane Center: tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane and major hurricane. The 2020 season saw 30 named storms with winds of 39 mph or greater, 13 hurricanes and 6 major hurricanes. Last year’s season serves as a reminder to be prepared. That advice may come in handy because NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is calling for another season with above-normal storm activity.
Mother Nature always proves that it is a force to be reckoned with. Storms can be tricky to predict, so do not underestimate the power of being prepared and continually working on your home’s maintenance. When it comes to natural disasters such as hurricanes, increased rainfall and wind speeds generally correlate with an increased risk of property damage. When the force of a hurricane bears down on residential structures, the damage can be catastrophic.
Be Smart
The extent of property damage varies according to the size of the storm, wind intensity, amount of rainfall, the path of the storm, and the speed at which the storm is traveling. The first step in being prepared is to know about the hazards that can affect your property. To learn more about hurricanes and what you should do to protect yourself and your property check out these helpful links:
www.ready.gov
www.fema.gov
www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare
Hurricane Damage to Your Home
Natural disasters tend to be traumatic events for homeowners and bring an array of issues. High winds, heavy rain, flooding, and even lightning can all cause damage to your property. From water running down roof beams into the walls to debris damaging windows, there are many ways a hurricane can damage your property.
Roof Damage – Hurricanes can rip shingles, boards and insulation off roofs, quickly exposing your home to the elements. Mild roof damage from hurricanes can result in leaks, while significant damage may leave gaping holes. Roof damage should be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent additional destruction to your home’s interior. Structural damage, pests, wet or windy weather, mold and bacteria can make roof damage worse over time.
Broken Windows and Doors – Even with storm preparations, hurricanes can result in broken windows and doors. After the hurricane, broken windows and doors make homes vulnerable to the elements. Water and wind can quickly enter your home, causing additional damage until the windows and doors are repaired.
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Mold growth behind drywall, in your attic insulation and in carpet and flooring
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Ruins electrical systems in the home, often requiring complete replacement
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Necessitate the replacement of all furniture, possessions and drywall that have been soaked
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Lace your home with bacteria, pathogens and other seriously hazardous chemical and biological issues due to the contaminated nature of flood waters
- Potentially compromise the stability of your home by weakening and rotting key structural supports
Get Help From the Hurricane Damage Experts
The aftermath of a hurricane can be upsetting, but it’s important to begin the restoration process as soon as possible to minimize the damage to your home. While there are repairs you can make on your own following a hurricane, disaster restoration should be left to a professional. Xtreme Home Improvement is your partner for total disaster response, planning, and restoration. From the initial plan to the final steps of recovery, we’re your single source solution for all of your disaster restoration needs. Don’t risk your home and family. Let a Central PA’s leading company take care of your needs and bring your restoration problems to an end. For a safe solution, give us a call.